1
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Wu J, Wang Y, Cai W, Chen D, Peng X, Dong H, Li J, Liu H, Shi S, Tang S, Li Z, Sui H, Wang Y, Wu C, Zhang Y, Fu X, Yin Y. Ribosomal translation of fluorinated non-canonical amino acids for de novo biologically active fluorinated macrocyclic peptides. Chem Sci 2024:d4sc04061a. [PMID: 39129776 PMCID: PMC11310889 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc04061a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Fluorination has emerged as a promising strategy in medicinal chemistry to improve the pharmacological profiles of drug candidates. Similarly, incorporating fluorinated non-canonical amino acids into macrocyclic peptides expands chemical diversity and enhances their pharmacological properties, from improved metabolic stability to enhanced cell permeability and target interactions. However, only a limited number of fluorinated non-canonical amino acids, which are canonical amino acid analogs, have been incorporated into macrocyclic peptides by ribosomes for de novo construction and target-based screening of fluorinated macrocyclic peptides. In this study, we report the ribosomal translation of a series of distinct fluorinated non-canonical amino acids, including mono-to tri-fluorinated variants, as well as fluorinated l-amino acids, d-amino acids, β-amino acids, etc. This enabled the de novo discovery of fluorinated macrocyclic peptides with high affinity for EphA2, and particularly the identification of those exhibiting broad-spectrum activity against Gram-negative bacteria by targeting the BAM complex. This study not only expands the scope of ribosomally translatable fluorinated amino acids but also underscores the versatility of fluorinated macrocyclic peptides as potent therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University Qingdao 266237 China
| | - Yuchan Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University Fuzhou 350117 China
| | - Wenfeng Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University Qingdao 266237 China
| | - Danyan Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University Fuzhou 350117 China
| | - Xiangda Peng
- Shanghai Zelixir Biotech Company Ltd Shanghai 200030 China
| | - Huilei Dong
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Xiamen 361005 China
| | - Jinjing Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Xiamen 361005 China
| | - Hongtan Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Xiamen 361005 China
| | - Shuting Shi
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University Fuzhou 350117 China
| | - Sen Tang
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University Fuzhou 350117 China
| | - Zhifeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University Qingdao 266237 China
| | - Haiyan Sui
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University Qingdao 266237 China
| | - Yan Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University Fuzhou 350117 China
| | - Chuanliu Wu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Xiamen 361005 China
| | - Youming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University Qingdao 266237 China
| | - Xinmiao Fu
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University Fuzhou 350117 China
| | - Yizhen Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University Qingdao 266237 China
- Shandong Research Institute of Industrial Technology Jinan 250101 China
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2
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Hadjicharalambous A, Newman H, Lewis N, Rowland C, Bournakas N, Stanway SJ, Dawson M, Skynner MJ, Beswick P. Investigating Penetration and Antimicrobial Activity of Vector-Bicycle Conjugates. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:2381-2389. [PMID: 38865197 PMCID: PMC11249977 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Growing antibiotic resistance is rapidly threatening the efficacy of treatments for Gram-negative infections. Bicycle molecules, constrained bicyclic peptides from diverse libraries generated by bacteriophage display that bind with high affinity to a chosen target are a potential new class of antibiotics. The generally impermeable bacterial outer membrane currently limits the access of peptides to bacteria. The conjugation of membrane active peptides offers an avenue for outer membrane penetration. Here, we investigate which physicochemical properties of a specific membrane active peptide (MAP), derived from ixosin-B, could be tweaked to enhance the penetration of conjugates by generating multiple MAP-Bicycle conjugate variants. We demonstrate that charge and hydrophobicity are important factors, which enhance penetration and, therefore, antimicrobial potency. Interestingly, we show that induction of secondary structure, but not a change in amphipathicity, is vital for effective penetration of the Gram-negative outer membrane. These results offer insights into the ways vectors could be designed to deliver Bicycle molecules (and other cargos) through biological membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Hadjicharalambous
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, U.K.
- BicycleTx
Limited, Portway Building, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GS, U.K.
| | - Hector Newman
- BicycleTx
Limited, Portway Building, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GS, U.K.
- School
of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K.
| | - Nick Lewis
- BicycleTx
Limited, Portway Building, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GS, U.K.
| | - Catherine Rowland
- BicycleTx
Limited, Portway Building, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GS, U.K.
| | - Nikolaos Bournakas
- BicycleTx
Limited, Portway Building, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GS, U.K.
| | - Steven J. Stanway
- BicycleTx
Limited, Portway Building, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GS, U.K.
| | - Michael Dawson
- BicycleTx
Limited, Portway Building, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GS, U.K.
| | - Michael J. Skynner
- BicycleTx
Limited, Portway Building, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GS, U.K.
| | - Paul Beswick
- BicycleTx
Limited, Portway Building, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GS, U.K.
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3
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Kravchenko SV, Domnin PA, Grishin SY, Zakhareva AP, Zakharova AA, Mustaeva LG, Gorbunova EY, Kobyakova MI, Surin AK, Poshvina DV, Fadeev RS, Azev VN, Ostroumova OS, Ermolaeva SA, Galzitskaya OV. Optimizing Antimicrobial Peptide Design: Integration of Cell-Penetrating Peptides, Amyloidogenic Fragments, and Amino Acid Residue Modifications. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6030. [PMID: 38892216 PMCID: PMC11173194 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The escalating threat of multidrug-resistant pathogens necessitates innovative approaches to combat infectious diseases. In this study, we examined peptides R23FS*, V31KS*, and R44KS*, which were engineered to include an amyloidogenic fragment sourced from the S1 protein of S. aureus, along with one or two cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) components. We assessed the antimicrobial efficacy of these peptides in a liquid medium against various strains of both Gram-positive bacteria, including S. aureus (209P and 129B strains), MRSA (SA 180 and ATCC 43300 strains), and B. cereus (strain IP 5832), and Gram-negative bacteria such as P. aeruginosa (ATCC 28753 and 2943 strains) and E. coli (MG1655 and K12 strains). Peptides R23FS*, V31KS*, and R44KS* exhibited antimicrobial activity comparable to gentamicin and meropenem against all tested bacteria at concentrations ranging from 24 to 48 μM. The peptides showed a stronger antimicrobial effect against B. cereus. Notably, peptide R44KS* displayed high efficacy compared to peptides R23FS* and V31KS*, particularly evident at lower concentrations, resulting in significant inhibition of bacterial growth. Furthermore, modified peptides V31KS* and R44KS* demonstrated enhanced inhibitory effects on bacterial growth across different strains compared to their unmodified counterparts V31KS and R44KS. These results highlight the potential of integrating cell-penetrating peptides, amyloidogenic fragments, and amino acid residue modifications to advance the innovation in the field of antimicrobial peptides, thereby increasing their effectiveness against a broad spectrum of pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey V. Kravchenko
- Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Biology (X-BIO), Tyumen State University, 625003 Tyumen, Russia; (S.V.K.); (A.P.Z.); (D.V.P.)
| | - Pavel A. Domnin
- Biology Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
- Gamaleya Research Centre of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 123098 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Sergei Y. Grishin
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (S.Y.G.); (A.K.S.)
| | - Alena P. Zakhareva
- Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Biology (X-BIO), Tyumen State University, 625003 Tyumen, Russia; (S.V.K.); (A.P.Z.); (D.V.P.)
| | - Anastasiia A. Zakharova
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.A.Z.); (O.S.O.)
| | - Leila G. Mustaeva
- The Branch of the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (L.G.M.); (E.Y.G.); (V.N.A.)
| | - Elena Y. Gorbunova
- The Branch of the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (L.G.M.); (E.Y.G.); (V.N.A.)
| | - Margarita I. Kobyakova
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (M.I.K.); (R.S.F.)
- Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology—Branch of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 630060 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Alexey K. Surin
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (S.Y.G.); (A.K.S.)
- The Branch of the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (L.G.M.); (E.Y.G.); (V.N.A.)
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 142279 Obolensk, Russia
| | - Darya V. Poshvina
- Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Biology (X-BIO), Tyumen State University, 625003 Tyumen, Russia; (S.V.K.); (A.P.Z.); (D.V.P.)
| | - Roman S. Fadeev
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (M.I.K.); (R.S.F.)
| | - Viacheslav N. Azev
- The Branch of the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (L.G.M.); (E.Y.G.); (V.N.A.)
| | - Olga S. Ostroumova
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.A.Z.); (O.S.O.)
| | | | - Oxana V. Galzitskaya
- Gamaleya Research Centre of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 123098 Moscow, Russia;
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (S.Y.G.); (A.K.S.)
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (M.I.K.); (R.S.F.)
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4
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Choi Y, Choe HW, Kook M, Choo S, Park TW, Bae S, Kim H, Yang J, Jeong WS, Yu J, Lee KR, Kim YS, Yu J. Proline-Hinged α-Helical Peptides Sensitize Gram-Positive Antibiotics, Expanding Their Physicochemical Properties to Be Used as Gram-Negative Antibiotics. J Med Chem 2024; 67:1825-1842. [PMID: 38124427 PMCID: PMC10860147 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria is the most difficult obstacle for small-molecule antibiotics to reach their targets in the cytosol. The molecular features of Gram-negative antibiotics required for passing through the OM are that they should be positively charged rather than neutral, flat rather than globular, less flexible, or more increased amphiphilic moment. Because of these specific molecular characteristics, developing Gram-negative antibiotics is difficult. We focused on sensitizer peptides to facilitate the passage of hydrophobic Gram-positive antibiotics through the OM. We explored ways of improving the sensitizing ability of proline-hinged α-helical peptides by adjusting their length, hydrophobicity, and N-terminal groups. A novel peptide, 1403, improves the potentiation of rifampicin in vitro and in vivo and potentiates most Gram-positive antibiotics. The "sensitizer" approach is more plausible than those that rely on conventional drug discovery methods concerning drug development costs and the development of drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoonhwa Choi
- Department
of Chemistry & Education, Seoul National
University, Seoul 08826, Republic
of Korea
- CAMP
Therapeutics, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeong Woon Choe
- Department
of Chemistry & Education, Seoul National
University, Seoul 08826, Republic
of Korea
| | - Minsoo Kook
- Department
of Infectious Disease, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Seolah Choo
- Department
of Chemistry & Education, Seoul National
University, Seoul 08826, Republic
of Korea
| | - Tae Woo Park
- Department
of Chemistry & Education, Seoul National
University, Seoul 08826, Republic
of Korea
| | - Soeun Bae
- Department
of Chemistry & Education, Seoul National
University, Seoul 08826, Republic
of Korea
| | - Heeseung Kim
- Department
of Infectious Disease, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihye Yang
- Department
of Infectious Disease, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Seong Jeong
- Laboratory
Animal Resource Center, Korea Research Institute
of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju 28116, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyoung Yu
- Asan
Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic
of Korea
| | - Kyeong-Ryoon Lee
- Laboratory
Animal Resource Center, Korea Research Institute
of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju 28116, Republic of Korea
| | - Yang Soo Kim
- Department
of Infectious Disease, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehoon Yu
- Department
of Chemistry & Education, Seoul National
University, Seoul 08826, Republic
of Korea
- CAMP
Therapeutics, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
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5
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Carratalá JV, Arís A, Garcia-Fruitós E, Ferrer-Miralles N. Design strategies for positively charged endolysins: Insights into Artilysin development. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 69:108250. [PMID: 37678419 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Endolysins are bacteriophage-encoded enzymes that can specifically degrade the peptidoglycan layer of bacterial cell wall, making them an attractive tool for the development of novel antibacterial agents. The use of genetic engineering techniques for the production and modification of endolysins offers the opportunity to customize their properties and activity against specific bacterial targets, paving the way for the development of personalized therapies for bacterial infections. Gram-negative bacteria possess an outer membrane that can hinder the action of recombinantly produced endolysins. However, certain endolysins are capable of crossing the outer membrane by virtue of segments that share properties resembling those of cationic peptides. These regions increase the affinity of the endolysin towards the bacterial surface and assist in the permeabilization of the membrane. In order to improve the bactericidal effectiveness of endolysins, approaches have been implemented to increase their net charge, including the development of Artilysins containing positively charged amino acids at one end. At present, there are no specific guidelines outlining the steps for implementing these modifications. There is an ongoing debate surrounding the optimal location of positive charge, the need for a linker region, and the specific amino acid composition of peptides for modifying endolysins. The aim of this study is to provide clarity on these topics by analyzing and comparing the most effective modifications found in previous literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Vicente Carratalá
- Department of Ruminant Production, Institute of Agriculture and Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Caldes de Montbui, 08140 Barcelona, Spain; Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Anna Arís
- Department of Ruminant Production, Institute of Agriculture and Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Caldes de Montbui, 08140 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Garcia-Fruitós
- Department of Ruminant Production, Institute of Agriculture and Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Caldes de Montbui, 08140 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Neus Ferrer-Miralles
- Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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6
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Sneideris T, Erkamp NA, Ausserwöger H, Saar KL, Welsh TJ, Qian D, Katsuya-Gaviria K, Johncock MLLY, Krainer G, Borodavka A, Knowles TPJ. Targeting nucleic acid phase transitions as a mechanism of action for antimicrobial peptides. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7170. [PMID: 37935659 PMCID: PMC10630377 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42374-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which combat bacterial infections by disrupting the bacterial cell membrane or interacting with intracellular targets, are naturally produced by a number of different organisms, and are increasingly also explored as therapeutics. However, the mechanisms by which AMPs act on intracellular targets are not well understood. Using machine learning-based sequence analysis, we identified a significant number of AMPs that have a strong tendency to form liquid-like condensates in the presence of nucleic acids through phase separation. We demonstrate that this phase separation propensity is linked to the effectiveness of the AMPs in inhibiting transcription and translation in vitro, as well as their ability to compact nucleic acids and form clusters with bacterial nucleic acids in bacterial cells. These results suggest that the AMP-driven compaction of nucleic acids and modulation of their phase transitions constitute a previously unrecognised mechanism by which AMPs exert their antibacterial effects. The development of antimicrobials that target nucleic acid phase transitions may become an attractive route to finding effective and long-lasting antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Sneideris
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nadia A Erkamp
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hannes Ausserwöger
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kadi L Saar
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - Timothy J Welsh
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - Daoyuan Qian
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kai Katsuya-Gaviria
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - Margaret L L Y Johncock
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - Georg Krainer
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alexander Borodavka
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Tuomas P J Knowles
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, UK.
- Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, J J Thomson Ave, Cambridge, UK.
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7
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Dennison SR, Morton LH, Badiani K, Harris F, Phoenix DA. Bacterial susceptibility and resistance to modelin-5. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:8247-8263. [PMID: 37869970 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01007d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Modelin-5 (M5-NH2) killed Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a minimum lethal concentration (MLC) of 5.86 μM and strongly bound its cytoplasmic membrane (CM) with a Kd of 23.5 μM. The peptide adopted high levels of amphiphilic α-helical structure (75.0%) and penetrated the CM hydrophobic core (8.0 mN m-1). This insertion destabilised CM structure via increased lipid packing and decreased fluidity (ΔGmix < 0), which promoted high levels of lysis (84.1%) and P. aeruginosa cell death. M5-NH2 showed a very strong affinity (Kd = 3.5 μM) and very high levels of amphiphilic α-helical structure with cardiolipin membranes (96.0%,) which primarily drove the peptide's membranolytic action against P. aeruginosa. In contrast, M5-NH2 killed Staphylococcus aureus with an MLC of 147.6 μM and weakly bound its CM with a Kd of 117.6 μM, The peptide adopted low levels of amphiphilic α-helical structure (35.0%) and only penetrated the upper regions of the CM (3.3 mN m-1). This insertion stabilised CM structure via decreased lipid packing and increased fluidity (ΔGmix > 0) and promoted only low levels of lysis (24.3%). The insertion and lysis of the S. aureus CM by M5-NH2 showed a strong negative correlation with its lysyl phosphatidylglycerol (Lys-PG) content (R2 > 0.98). In combination, these data suggested that Lys-PG mediated mechanisms inhibited the membranolytic action of M5-NH2 against S. aureus, thereby rendering the organism resistant to the peptide. These results are discussed in relation to structure/function relationships of M5-NH2 and CM lipids that underpin bacterial susceptibility and resistance to the peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Dennison
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK.
| | - Leslie Hg Morton
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK.
| | - Kamal Badiani
- Pepceuticals Limited, 4 Feldspar Close, Warrens Park, Enderby, Leicestershire, LE19 4JS, UK
| | - Frederick Harris
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK.
| | - David A Phoenix
- Office of the Vice Chancellor, London South Bank University, 103 Borough Road, London SE1 0AA, UK
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8
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Zhu Y, Xu Y, Yan J, Fang Y, Dong N, Shan A. "AMP plus": Immunostimulant-Inspired Design Based on Chemotactic Motif -( PhHA hPH) n. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:43563-43579. [PMID: 37691475 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c09353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Ability to stimulate antimicrobial immunity has proven to be a useful therapeutic strategy in treating infections, especially in the face of increasing antibiotic resistance. Natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) exhibiting immunomodulatory functions normally encompass complex activities, which make it difficult to optimize their therapeutic benefits. Here, a chemotactic motif was harnessed as a template to design a series of AMPs with immunostimulatory activities plus bacteria-killing activities ("AMP plus"). An amphipathic peptide ((PhHAhPH)n) was employed to improve the antimicrobial impact and expand the therapeutic potential of the chemotactic motif that lacked obvious bacteria-killing properties. A total of 18 peptides were designed and evaluated for their structure-activity relationships. Among the designed, KWH2 (1) potently killed bacteria and exhibited a narrow antimicrobial spectrum against Gram-negative bacteria and (2) activated macrophages (i.e., inducing Ca2+ influx, cell migration, and reactive oxygen species production) as a macrophage chemoattractant. Membrane permeabilization is the major antimicrobial mechanism of KWH2. Furthermore, the mouse subcutaneous abscess model supported the dual immunomodulatory and antimicrobial potential of KWH2 in vivo. The above results confirmed the efficiency of KWH2 in treating bacterial infection and provided a viable approach to develop immunomodulatory antimicrobial materials with desired properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhui Zhu
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Nutrition and Immunity, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150038, China
| | - Yinghan Xu
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Nutrition and Immunity, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150038, China
| | - Jianming Yan
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Nutrition and Immunity, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150038, China
| | - Yuxin Fang
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Nutrition and Immunity, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150038, China
| | - Na Dong
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Nutrition and Immunity, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150038, China
| | - Anshan Shan
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Nutrition and Immunity, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150038, China
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9
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Jones S, Matos B, Dennison S, Fardilha M, Howl J. Stem Cell Bioengineering with Bioportides: Inhibition of Planarian Head Regeneration with Peptide Mimetics of Eyes Absent Proteins. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2018. [PMID: 37631231 PMCID: PMC10458859 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Djeya1 (RKLAFRYRRIKELYNSYR) is a very effective cell penetrating peptide (CPP) that mimics the α5 helix of the highly conserved Eya domain (ED) of eyes absent (Eya) proteins. The objective of this study was to bioengineer analogues of Djeya1 that, following effective translocation into planarian tissues, would reduce the ability of neoblasts (totipotent stem cells) and their progeny to regenerate the anterior pole in decapitated S. mediterranea. As a strategy to increase the propensity for helix formation, molecular bioengineering of Djeya1 was achieved by the mono-substitution of the helicogenic aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) at three species-variable sites: 10, 13, and 16. CD analyses indicated that Djeya1 is highly helical, and that Aib-substitution had subtle influences upon the secondary structures of bioengineered analogues. Aib-substituted Djeya1 analogues are highly efficient CPPs, devoid of influence upon cell viability or proliferation. All three peptides increase the migration of PC-3 cells, a prostate cancer line that expresses high concentrations of Eya. Two peptides, [Aib13]Djeya1 and [Aib16]Djeya1, are bioportides which delay planarian head regeneration. As neoblasts are the only cell population capable of division in planaria, these data indicate that bioportide technologies could be utilised to directly manipulate other stem cells in situ, thus negating any requirement for genetic manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Jones
- Research Institute in Healthcare Science, Faculty of Science & Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wulfruna Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK;
| | - Bárbara Matos
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine—iBiMED, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (B.M.); (M.F.)
| | - Sarah Dennison
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK;
| | - Margarida Fardilha
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine—iBiMED, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (B.M.); (M.F.)
| | - John Howl
- Research Institute in Healthcare Science, Faculty of Science & Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wulfruna Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK;
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10
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Umarje SC, Banerjee SK. Non-traditional approaches for control of antibiotic resistance. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2023; 23:1113-1135. [PMID: 38007617 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2023.2279644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The drying up of antibiotic pipeline has necessitated the development of alternative therapeutic strategies to control the problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) that is expected to kill 10-million people annually by 2050. Newer therapeutic approaches address the shortcomings of traditional small-molecule antibiotics - the lack of specificity, evolvability, and susceptibility to mutation-based resistance. These 'non-traditional' molecules are biologicals having a complex structure and mode(s) of action that makes them resilient to resistance. AREAS COVERED This review aims to provide information about the non-traditional drug development approaches to tackle the problem of antimicrobial resistance, from the pre-antibiotic era to the latest developments. We have covered the molecules under development in the clinic with literature sourced from reviewed scholarly articles, official company websites involved in innovation of concerned therapeutics, press releases from the regulatory bodies, and clinical trial databases. EXPERT OPINION Formal introduction of non-traditional therapies in general practice can be quick and feasible only if supported with companion diagnostics and used in conjunction with established therapies. Owing to relatively higher development costs, non-traditional therapeutics require more funding as well as well as clarity in regulatory and clinical path. We are hopeful these issues are adequately addressed before AMR develops into a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth C Umarje
- Department of Proteomics, AbGenics Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., Pune, India
- AbGenics Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., Pune, India
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11
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Cruz GS, dos Santos AT, de Brito EHS, Rádis-Baptista G. Cell-Penetrating Antimicrobial Peptides with Anti-Infective Activity against Intracellular Pathogens. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11121772. [PMID: 36551429 PMCID: PMC9774436 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11121772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are natural or engineered peptide sequences with the intrinsic ability to internalize into a diversity of cell types and simultaneously transport hydrophilic molecules and nanomaterials, of which the cellular uptake is often limited. In addition to this primordial activity of cell penetration without membrane disruption, multivalent antimicrobial activity accompanies some CPPs. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with cell-penetrability exert their effect intracellularly, and they are of great interest. CPPs with antimicrobial activity (CPAPs) comprise a particular class of bioactive peptides that arise as promising agents against difficult-to-treat intracellular infections. This short review aims to present the antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antiviral effects of various cell-penetrating antimicrobial peptides currently documented. Examples include the antimicrobial effects of different CPAPs against bacteria that can propagate intracellularly, like Staphylococcus sp., Streptococcus sp., Chlamydia trachomatis, Escherichia coli, Mycobacterium sp., Listeria sp., Salmonella sp. among others. CPAPs with antiviral effects that interfere with the intracellular replication of HIV, hepatitis B, HPV, and herpes virus. Additionally, CPAPs with activity against protozoa of the genera Leishmania, Trypanosoma, and Plasmodium, the etiological agents of Leishmaniasis, Chagas' Disease, and Malaria, respectively. The information provided in this review emphasizes the potential of multivalent CPAPs, with anti-infective properties for application against various intracellular infections. So far, CPAPs bear a promise of druggability for the translational medical use of CPPs alone or in combination with chemotherapeutics. Moreover, CPAPs could be an exciting alternative for pharmaceutical design and treating intracellular infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Silva Cruz
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Nursing, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60416-030, Brazil
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60165-081, Brazil
| | - Ariane Teixeira dos Santos
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Nursing, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60416-030, Brazil
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60165-081, Brazil
| | - Erika Helena Salles de Brito
- Microbiology Laboratory, Institute of Health Sciences, University of International Integration of the Afro-Brazilian Lusophony, Redenção 62790-970, Brazil
| | - Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Nursing, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60416-030, Brazil
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60165-081, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-85-3366-7001
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